The postmasters at two local post offices have opted to retire their posts under the agreement concluded between An Post and the Irish Postmasters’ Union and the relevant business incorporated within both branches will transfer to alternative locations.

"The people of Ballindine are being unfairly treated by An Post in its decision to close the local post office effective from August 10 next" said Mayo based Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin stated this week.

A public demonstration is planned for Ballina tomorrow (Saturday) as part of the community campaign to retain Ardnaree post office. It is being described as a demonstration of solidarity that will send a clear message to An Post that the community is united in its stand against any attempt to close the facility.

By now, the supposed paradox has become a truism: how is it that a State, which a decade ago had a housing bubble, now has a shortage? Why, when various surveys show thousands of vacant housing units, are so many unable to secure a home? Why has housing turned from an 'issue' to a 'crisis'?